Chairs: Dr Helen Bond and Dr Bridget Gilfillan Upton
Session 1:
- Louise Lawrence (University of Exeter)
- Sense and Sense-ability: Exploring the Sense-scape of Mark’s Social World
- George van Kooten (University of Groningen)
- Nero and the events of AD 69-70 in Mark 13 and Clement of Alexandria’s Stromateis
Session 2:
- Lloyd Pietersen (University of Gloucestershire)
- The Crowds in Mark: A Socio-Psychological Exploration
- Bridget Gilfillan Upton (Heythrop College, University of London)
- The Social Use of Language in Mark
Session 3:
- Elizabeth Talbot (University of Gloucestershire)
- Rest, Eschatology and Sabbath in Matthew 11:28-30: An Investigation of Jesus' Offer of Rest in the Light of the Septuagint's Use of Anapausis
Show abstract
Jesus' invitation to rest (Matthew 11:28-30) is part of Matthew's special material. The author inserts these three verses immediately preceding the only two sabbath stories in this Gospel (Matthew 12:1-14). This paper presents the results of an analysis of the use of the term Anapausis throughout the LXX. On this basis, it proposes that there are three main potential backgrounds for the concept of rest in this pericope and these can be summarized under the categories of "sabbath rest", "peaceful inheritance" and "wisdom's repose." These categories provide the resources for a fresh evaluation of the significance of Jesus' offer of rest in its Matthean narrative context.
- Jang Ryul Lee (University of Edinburgh)
- Reading the Markan Shema (12:29) in Light of the 'Exaltation of the Messiah' (12:36)
Show abstract
In this paper, I will argue that Mark 12.28-34 and 12.35-37 must be read collectively. One may wonder why the case needs to be argued since these two passages are juxtaposed. Juxtaposition does not, however, establish this case because juxtaposition can be accidental. Some neighboring passages do not necessarily have any relationship with each other and the degree of their relationship varies considerably in different occasions. For example, the juxtaposition of the Parable of the Mustard Seed (followed by an editorial summary) (Mk 4.30-34) and the story of Jesus' silencing a storm (Mk 4.35-41) does not present any specific relationship between the two. Even if the question about taxes (12.13-17) and the next question about resurrection (12.18-27) are related to each other as parts of the same section, which is a series of questions and answers in the temple (11.27-12.37), understanding one without the other does not seem to be a problem. A collective reading requires a much stronger connection between the two neighboring passages. If one passage happens to be read without the other, an important part of the evangelist’s message will be lost. I will argue for the collective reading of Mark 12.28-34 and 12.35-37 based upon (a) the intimate connection between 12.28-34 and 12.35-37 with the notion of 'Kingdom,' and (b) a narrative scheme of 11.27-12.37 in which 12.35-37 functions as the climax and 12.28-34 as a preparatory step to that climax as well as some other reasons. I will then discuss the force of the collective reading. Namely, the monotheistic statement (12.29; cf. v. 32) is to be read in view of the exaltation of the Messiah (12.36) and, accordingly, the understanding of the 'one-God' is further defined by the presentation of Jesus who 'sits at God's right.'